President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that physical works on the Malé Roads Development Project, the first major initiative to comprehensively modernise the capital's road network in decades, will begin by early 2027 at the latest.

The President made the announcement during the fourth episode of The Pulse podcast, where he discussed the development of Malé's road network and responded to questions from the public.

He said the project, which is being financed through a grant from the Government of China, will include the reconstruction of roads alongside the installation of modern infrastructure such as a stormwater drainage system, dewatering network and an integrated fire hydrant system.

The President noted that the last major road development programme in Malé was carried out during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, adding that the city's roads have since deteriorated due to years of inadequate maintenance.

He also said he had worked to address Malé's road issues during his tenure as Minister of Housing and later as Mayor of Malé City, particularly by introducing stormwater drainage projects to reduce flooding. While those measures produced positive results, he said they did not provide a permanent solution to the problem.

The President said funding for the project has already been secured and preparations are underway, with construction expected to begin by the end of this year or, at the latest, early next year.

He added that MTCC has been awarded the contract to repair Ameenee Magu, while the majority of works on the Boduthakurufaanu Magu redevelopment project have already been completed.